FAQ page for Hinds Pitt Bridge:

Unfortunately, the bridge above Hinds Pitt Pool that forms part of the classic Tarr Steps circular walk has had to be closed due to structural failure and for public safety. The bridge has been there since the 1950’s and some key parts of the steel structure have deteriorated to a point where they are no longer safe. We hope to replace the bridge and secure public access once again here for the future, but it will take some time to develop a plan in agreement with the relevant landowners there, along with the considerable funds required.

Can we still visit Tarr Steps?

Absolutely. You can still explore the Barle Valley at and around Tarr Steps. The main car park and public toilets remain open as does Tarr Farm Inn. Tarr Steps themselves are still accessible and you can enjoy walking upstream from Tarr Steps on either the eastern or western banks. For short walks we recommend the eastern bank through Knapp Woods to Hinds Pitt and returning via the same route.

What about the Two Moors Way / access on foot to Withypool?

There is an alternative route following the western bank from Tarr Steps, passing the site of Hinds Pitt and continuing along the Two Moors Way to Great Bradley and on to Withypool.

Why has the footpath on the East bank between Great Bradley and Hinds Pitt been closed – this would offer an alternative (longer) circular route?

The path on the eastern bank between Hinds Pitt and Great Bradly was only ever there with the kind permission of both landowners.  When Great Bradley Bridge was planned, it was always our intention to make the bridleway on the western bank the main walking and riding route up the Barle valley at this point and to close the permitted path.  The reasons for this included the fact that the path was badly eroded and difficult to maintain, the path runs through a fragile, wet, woodland environment which is SSSI and as it was not a public right of way, the landowners could withdraw consent to use it at any time. Thankfully, they were happy to allow the public to use the route until the new Great Bradley bridge was opened in 2024.  There are no plans to reopen the path on the eastern bank, between Hinds Pitt and Great Bradley to the public. The new crossing at Great Bradley provides access to the eastern route to Withypool.

Surely it hasn’t fallen into disrepair overnight, isn’t closing the bridge an overreaction?

The closure has been taken following expert advice. For some time, use of the bridge had been limited to no more than 4 people at once due to concerns over its structural integrity and regular monitoring has been in place to check for any sudden changes in the bridge. However, public safety must come first which is why the bridge has been closed at this point.

Why haven’t you replaced this bridge sooner?

We have known for some time that this bridge (installed in 1957) was near the end of its expected life, but we didn’t know the exact time that would happen. It is a private structure, not on a public right of way and any potential for a new structure needs to be explored carefully with the landowners concerned.

Has Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) failed to maintain it or neglected it?

The current structure is not owned by ENPA and does not carry a Public Right of Way, so is not formally the direct responsibility of ENPA. However, we have had the bridge checked regularly and sought to maintain it in line with expert advice. The bridge was nearing the end of its expected lifespan and almost certainly dates from World War II. Painting or treating the steel structural elements of the bridge is not cost effective, as so much dismantling, protection of the river, and surface preparation would need to be done on site to make the work effective. Rust does act as a protective layer, once it develops to a sufficient thickness. This particular bridge design is for a temporary and rapid deployment in hard to access places and has lasted well, all things considered.

Can’t you order a new bridge online or get the support of the army to replace it quicker?

A new bridge can only be installed once all the right consents and permissions are in place. The environment in the Barle Valley is sensitive and protected so we must make sure all these factors are considered when replacing the bridge.  Access to the location for machinery and lifting equipment is very restricted so any new structure will need to be designed with that in mind.  The British army no longer provide the community support programmes that they did in the past.

What will happen now? When will the bridge reopen?

With advice from consultant bridge engineers, we have considered whether anything can be done to safely extend the life of the existing structure. Unfortunately, there is no cost-effective option that will allow us to reopen the current structure, even for a short period of time. Our primary focus now is to keep working with all relevant landowners and other stakeholders on a plan for how and where Hinds Pitt Bridge will be replaced. We want to replace the Hinds Pitt bridge as quickly as we can and resolve the public access arrangements there, which for a long time have relied upon short-term agreements and unclear responsibilities for the bridge.

We will make more information available as soon as possible.

Will there be a fundraising appeal?

At this stage we don’t know – but it is likely that there will be an appeal through CareMoor for Exmoor and an opportunity for the public to support the renewal of a crossing here.

Why didn’t you replace this at the same time as when you were installing Great Bradley Bridge?

In an ideal world we would have run the Great Bradley Bridge and Hinds Pitt Bridge replacement at the same time, but our own capacity and the fundraising implications meant that was not possible.

Wouldn’t the funds used for Great Bradley have been better directed at replacing this bridge?

Without Great Bradley Bridge we could have lost a through route for the public on foot between Tarr Steps and Withypool (as the path on the eastern bank was a ‘permitted path’ only) so it was an important improvement in its own right. Various factors enabled the project, most especially landowner cooperation, which meant we had a chance to get Great Bradley done and we took that opportunity.

Surely the Tarr Steps car park income should have helped maintain the bridge?

Our car parks do not make a profit. It costs us well over £100,000 a year to run and maintain our ENPA operated car parks and facilities such as toilets and dog poo bins. The income received from parking fees helps to offset this cost, freeing up our core funding to deliver our statutory purposes from educational activities for our young people to conservation, existing public access work across over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways and nature recovery in Exmoor National Park.

Despite the bridge not being owned by us, and with no Public Right of Way, we have still had it checked regularly and sought to maintain it. Given the need to consult with landowners and other stakeholders on a how and where Hinds Pitt Bridge will be replaced, the final amount and source of funding is still to be confirmed.

What happens if Tarr Steps gets damaged in the winter?

We are aware that there could be a more substantial access issue if Tarr Steps suffers winter storm damage, as has been the case on many previous occasions and this is why we’re working hard to get the bridge at Hinds Pitt replaced as soon as practically possible.